Toward effective climate policy in the East African region: the impact of corruption control and natural resource rents on environmental pollution

Abstract

This study examines the impact of corruption control and natural resource rents on environmental sustainability in East African countries while accounting for the influences of renewable energy, economic growth, and urbanisation. The study utilises panel data spanning 1996–2022 and various econometric methods, such as Pedroni and Kao cointegration methods, pooled mean group (PMG), panel dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS), and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS). The empirical results revealed that natural resources, corruption control, renewable energy, urbanisation, and economic growth are cointegrated with environmental pollution in the long run. Furthermore, natural resource rent hinders environmental sustainability, while corruption control enhances it in the long run. Renewable energy enhances environmental sustainability in East Africa in the long run. On the contrary, economic growth and urbanisation impede it in the long run. Nevertheless, the study recommends strengthening governance, promoting transparency, and implementing restricted environmental regulations to enhance environmental quality.